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COTTON PICKIlSr TIME 



AISTD OTHER POEMS 



BY HEISTRY ANTONIO MOOS 




SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS. 

HENRY A. M:00S, I»XJBr.ISHBR. 

1904, 



'%i:k^ 



LIBRARY ^i CON(-.f;E:-'j 
Two Cepies Received 



CI 



MAR 10 1904 

Copyright E^try 
USS 'cc aXc. Nc 



COPYRIGHT, 1904, By H. A. MOOS. 



First Impression, March 75, igo4. Limited to Five Hundred 
Numbered Copies, of ivhich this is No...f..M..-f. 



« • 1 t *« t « • ' • 



PRESS OF NIC TENGG, S. A. 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

Cotton Pickin Time 5 

Where There's I^ife, There's I^ove 7 

Father 8 

The Hand of a Friend 9 

Transformation .10 

To My Queen .11 

The Widow 12 

The Wondrous River 13 

A Texas Sunset 16 

The Fig-ht ^ 17 

The Birth of lyove 18 

The Saga of the Jokuls 19 



COTTON PICKIN TIME 

AND OTHER POEMS. 



COTTON PICKIN TIME. 

Wen de mustang grapes hez ripened, en de punkins is 

immense, 
En de juicy watahmillion 'gins ter look "lack thirty cents ;" 
Wen de fiel's is wite wid cotton, en dey 'gins ter shuck de 

cohn, 
En de summer, hit's jess leabin, en de autumn's comin on ; 
Wen de nights is gittin coolish, en de days is jess sur — plime, 
Den us niggers hass ter hussle, fer it's cotton pickin time. 

Hass ter gib up "craps" en "shin-digs" — has ter say: "Ole 

town, good-bye!" 
Hass ter hunt up dem dat owes us — hass fer leab 'em. wid er 

sigh! 
Has ter pay our debts — er promise dat we'll pay when we 

comes back. 
Den we gits into de waggin, wid our does done in er sack. 
En we hikes out to de contry, ware wile mawnin glories 

climb, 
En we gits dere all a-singin — in de cotton pickin time. 



6 Cotton Pickin Time. 

En den yeahly in mawnin, wen de dew is on de grass, 
We gits up en eats our break f us, en den to de fiel's we pass. 
Dere I meets ma gal, Malindy, er ma Susy Ann, er Mame, 
En wile we is pickin cotton, we is coatin jess de same. 
Den some coon strikes up er "rag-time," en de udders in hit 

chime ; 
En we busts de air wide open — wen it's cotton pickin time. 

En at night de wile kiyotes seyenades us wid deir howls. 
En sets all de dawgs a-barkin. En de hootin ob de owls 
Makes de skeery women shibber. Den some nights we calls 

de dawgs. 
En we hunts de coons en possums in de trees er holler lawgs. 
En we gits 'em, too, ma honey, eben wen we liass ter climb ! 
En dey's cooked nex day fer dinner — in de cotton pickin 

time. 

Wen de days gits short en cooler, we goes out into de wood, 
Ware we skeers up squir'ls en rabbits, dat is lookin roun fer 

food. 
Er prehaps we goes a-fishin, er we gethers up pecahns, 
Wich we eats aroun de chimbley, wile we tells each udder 

yahns. 
Er some nights we makes 'cahn candy, en swaps lies tell hit's 

er crime; 
Er we laughs en does de cake-walk — wen it's cotton pickin 

time. 

Wen de cotton pickin's ober, we goes back ter town ter spen' 
All de money made wid pickin. Wen we runs ergin er frien', 



Where There'' s Life^ There'' s Love. 7 

We pertens ter walk lop-sided, all fum ca'yin so much dough, 
En we brags tell he feels sorry he stayed home, en didn't go. 
Dese yere trips into de contry leabs us niggers feelin prime, 
En we alius likes de comin ob de cotton pickin time. 



WHERE THERE'S LIFE, THERE'S LOVE. 

God is Love — and Love is everywhere. 

It penetrates the earth, and hovers in the air. 

It's influence holds the planets within the sun's embrace. 

While stars sing to each other in love-tones throughout space. 

The wind in loving dalliance strokes all it passes o'er. 
And ocean waves with kisses bestrew the neighboring shore. 
Love trembles in the murmur of every little stream. 
Which but reflects the love-light in every passing gleam. 

'Tis Love that gives the flower its wondrous, brilliant hue. 
And makes it smile with raptures that thrill it through and 

through. 
It glistens in the dewdrop on which the sunlight falls; 
The bird's song is its music, as to its mate its calls. 

'Tis felt in sweet emotion by every living thing. 
And takes from seeming evil its bitter, deadly sting. 
It permeates all nature — around — below — above. — 
All, all feel its sweet power, for where there's life, there's 
love! 



8 ''Father:' 



TATHER.' 



TO O. M. FARNSWORTH. 



In all the sweet songs with which children are hushed, 
And in all the poems that ever were gushed, 
Do they ever mention that great — ahem — well. 
You rarely, at best, can find where they tell 
Of a father. 

When waiting so anxiously for doubtful news. 
That e'en your beloved cigar you refuse. 
Is there aught on this earth that will tickle you so. 
As when the proud nurse says : "It's twins," and you know 
You're a father. 

No matter how stocks or the weather may go; 
How often at night he may get up to — oh 
Well, no one's so happy and easy to please 
As the "goo-gooing" man with the babe on his knees. 
He's a father. 

'Tis grand to be rich — to be president, but 
There's nothing that gives such a proud, manly strut. 
As, when passing a group of small children at play. 
You hear a shrill, little treble voice say: 
"Dat's my fawver!" 



The Hand of a Friend. 



THE HAND OF A FRIEND. 

How rarely you see it, and yet, oh how welcome ! 

The greatest of blessings that Heaven can send. 
In sorrow or sickness; reverses of fortune; 

How pleasant the touch of the hand of a friend! 

When Death lays his cold, clammy hand on a loved one, 
And anguish and grief at your aching heart rend, 

How comforting is the beloved, sympathetic — 
The soft, tender clasp of the hand of a friend ! 

When worn out with business ; your health badly shattered ; 

Your fortune all gone — not a dollar to lend ; 
How your heart leaps with joy, when you see it extended 

In succor — the warm, generous hand of a friend ! 

When laid low by fever, your form weak and wasted, 
And horrible dreams (that you fear must portend 

Most dire misfortues) accompany your slumbers. 
How cool and refreshing- the hand of a friend! 



'fe 



At last, when you've fulfilled your short earthly mission, 
And feel that your life is now nearing its end. 

What soothes your last moments, and gives hope and comfort, 
And closes your eyes, but the hand of a friend? 

When your soul makes its flight to that Dwelling supernal. 
And to the bright throne its happy way wends, 

You'll find them — they form the chief feature of Heaven — 
With love they're extended — the hands of your friends ! 



10 Transformation, 



TRANSFORMATION. 

'Twas Autumn, and, in pensive mood, 
I slowly wandered through a wood. 
Dark was the sky; the dripping trees 
Were shivering in the cold, damp breeze, 
And sighed as if by fear possessed, 
Or by despondent thoughts oppressed. 

As in my face thq light mist blew. 

And drenched my garments through and through. 

It seemed to penetrate my heart. 

And chill it through in every part; 

For hope and peace therefrom had fled, 

Driv'n out by dark despair and dread. 

The fires of Hell burned in my brain; 
My soul and body writhed with pain ; 
Plunged in deep gloom, my wavering mind 
Still groped for what it could not find. 
"Help me, oh God — if God there be!" 
T wailed in utter misery. 



A sudden flood of light — the gloom 
Had fled as from a lighted room; 
My soul, illumed by peace, was bright. 
As though it shone with golden light. 
And my whole being thrilled and glowed 
With joys untold, that through it flowed. 



To My Queen. 11 

I looked around — the setting sun 

Lit up the tree-tops, one by one, 

Until they glistened in his light; 

And sparkling drops, like diamonds bright, 

Reflected in each tiny blaze 

The dazzling glitter of his rays. 

A rainbow in the eastern sky, 
Bright-hued, gave promise from on high 
Of blessings great in store for me; 
The song of birds, so blithe and free ; 
The flowers so beautiful — the whole 
Was glad and glorious, as my soul ! 



TO MY QUEEN. 

ON HER TWENTY-NINTH BIRTHDAY. 

My queen is twenty-nine to-day, 
And I to her must homage pay. 
With joy I haste to do the task, 
For 'tis the very boon I'd ask. 

I owe her fealty, for she 

Has ever been most kind to me. 

And, though my faults have many been, 

She's quick to pardon me, my queen ! 

I give her gems so very rare 
That none on earth wifh them compare; 
For they're the treasures of my heart. 
Which plentifully I impart. 



12 The Widow. 

And with these jewels I, to-day, 
From head to foot will her array ; 
And, humbly kneeling at her feet, 
New vows of loyalty repeat. 

My queen is twenty-nine today! 
Health and long life for her I pray ! 
Though as my queen I her adore, 
I am her king — I ask no more ! 



THE WIDOW. 

Beneath the bright electric light 

The widow sits and deeply ponders. 

She thinks of all her past, so bright, 
And then about the future wonders. 

How happy her first married life; 

Her husband fond, and so devoted. 
And she was such a loving wife — 

How they upon each other doted ! 

And now her lot is very sad. 

Though richest silks and gems adorn her. 
If she should die, who would feel bad ? 

Would any of her cronies mourn her? 

'Tis true, the meddling gossips charge 
She's fond of dress and fast society; 

But then her alimony's large, 
For she is of the grass variety. 



The Wondrous River, 13 



THE WONDROUS RIVER. 

A LEGEND OF THE GUADALUPE. 

See yon river flowing southward! 
Free and strong and deep its current. 
Flashing so brightly in the sunlight; 
Dashing o'er boulders, in its hurry — 
Rushing between the highest and largest; 
Pushing with mighty force its way onward; 
Tumbling in cascades down mighty embankments ; 
Stumbling, anon, where it rushes too swiftly; 
Leaping yonder, o'er that tree-trunk; 
Creeping here, it seems, so slowly; 
Whirling madly to the right; 
Twirling 'round and 'round to left; 
Dancing so prettily, there, with the sunbeams 
Glancing so radiantly from its bright bosom ; 
There, dark blue, beneath deep shadows. 
Where no sunshine ever lights it, 
Dull and sluggish is its pace, as if the dark 
Lulled it slowly, with its magic calm, to rest. 
Now agaih 'tis in the welcome sunHght ! 
How it bounds with joy — this changeful river! 



This wondrous river (so the legend says) 
Seems to possess a magic influence. 
When lighted by the sun's resplendent rays ; 
For all who look upon it, then, go thence 



14 The Wondrous River, 

Enraptured by its beauties. Those who kneel 
And drink its limpid water from the hand, 
Are bound to it as by a spell. They feel, 
At first, no sign of this enchantment, and 
May wander off to countries far away — 
And years may come and go — but, ere they die, 
Some secret longing siezes them, and they 
Feel that they must return — they know not why — 
And drink again this water as of yore. 
So all give way to this strong impulse, and 
' Return and drink, just as they did before — 

And then — they fall beneath Death's blighting hand! 



In that eventful year, when brave men fought and died 

That Texas might be free, there dwelt, upon the banks 

Of this delightful stream, in lowly huts of logs. 

Some families of poor and simple Mexicans. 

And there were two among them, who were bound by ties 

Of strong, enduring love — a love that lasts till death. 

Jovita was the name the fair young maiden bore ; 

Francisco was her lover. Hand in hand, they sat. 

Day after day, upon some log beside the stream. 

And thought of love ; or they would wander, side by side, 

Beneath the forest trees, and gather nuts; or pick 

Delicious berries from the vines that grew around. 

And thus the time passed by, and now the day drew near, 

On which their hands would be united, like their hearts. 

When word was brought that war had broken out, and soon 

The noise of cannon would be heard o'er all that land. 

Francisco, fired with patriotic zeal and love 

Of liberty, resolved to go and fight for home 

And freedom, though he must postpone his wedding day 



The Wondrous River, 15 

Until he should return. So with a heavy heart 

He bade his dear Jovita lovingly farewell. 

They wandered long, that day, along the river's bank. 

And many were the tears they shed, and vows exchanged. 

Remembering, then, the rumored virtues of the stream, 

Francisco said : **Jovita, dearest, let us kneel and drink 

This water, and both swear that, though long years may pass, 

We will return and meet each other at this place. 

And drink again this water — just as we do now — 

Then we will plight our troth, and ever after live 

United." So they drank, and pledged each other as 

Francisco wished. He left her then, and rode away 

To fight for liberty. And valliantly he fought ! 

A year passed by; Francisco came (as he had vowed) 

To meet his dear Jovita on the river's bank. 

Rut when he reached his home — ah, what a change he found ! 

Hit little hut in ruins, and his parents gone ; 

No children ran to meet him, with their happy shouts ; 

The neighboring cabins gone — Jovita, where was she? 

Not at the usual trysting places — there he searched 

In vain. At last, in deep despair, he sought the spot 

Where they had parted just a year before. "She said 

That she would meet me here, and would she break her 

word?" 
He murmured as he knelt upon the bank and stooped 
To dip his hand beneath the water. Then he called 
In loving tones : "Jovita, darling, come and kneel 
Beside me, as you vowed to do, and drink with me ; 
Then we will pledge our love, and, with our hearts and hands 
United, feel eternal happiness !" He turned. 
And there, beside him, knelt Jovita, wondrous fair ! 
Her form seemed Hght as air ; her robe was white ; her face 
More beautiful than that of any earthly being. 



16 A Texas Sunset. 

She smiled upon him— oh, how sweet that heavenly smile ! 
What endless, powerful love there was conveyed in it ! — 
And stooped and dipped with him, and drank the crystal fluid. 
Then reaching forth her shadowy hand, it clasped his own, 
And drew him nearer, to a phantom breast; two arms. 
That seemed to have no weight — and yet he felt them — 

pressed 
Around his neck with fond embrace, and her light form 
Fell backward with him, in the water. "Dearest, we 
Will never more be parted now !" He cried with joy. — 
The water closed above him — he was gone — with her ! 

But the river flows on ever, never ceasing or decreasing 
In its roaring, pouring, rumbling, tumbling, stumbling. 
Whirling, twirling, rushing, pushing, dashing, splashing. 
And the dancing sunbeams, glancing from its bosom as of 
yore, 

Sparkle, as it flows on — evermore ! 



A TEXAS SUNSET. 

The flowers are flolding their petals ; 

The bushes still shake from the wind, 
That, after a gale, quickly settles. 

Till only a zephyr refined 
Still lingers — then suddenly ceases. 

The songs of the birds, too, are hushed; 
The sky's sheeny azure increases ; 

The hills in the West become flushed. 



The Fight. 17 

O'erhead, droves of clouds, small and creamy, 

Like flocks of sheep, stretch to the West. 
The air is so perfumed and dreamy, 

'Twould lull the most sleepless to rest. 
The rays of the sun, variegated. 

Now touch up the clouds and the sky 
In shades so superbly created. 

They'd the brush of an artist defy. 

Clouds, tinged with the brightest carnation, 

That blends into purple and blue. 
Touch others of lighter creation, 

Of roseate and amethyst hue. 
A sprinkling of crimson quite vivid; 

A dash, here and there, of dark brown. 
Gold fringes the edges of livid 

Strange cumuli, there, farther down. 

The sun, like a round, fiery boulder. 

Rests on the silhouette of the hills. 
Then, as he descends, somewhat colder 

The air quickly grows, till it chills. 
The bright hues grow gradually fainter ; 

The stars light up, one at a time. 
The sun — the great heavenly painter — 

Has covered his picture sublime ! 



THE FIGHT. 

A bar — a ''gang" — a "jolly time." 
The glasses clink — the "goods" are "prime.' 
A joke — a laugh — the "lie" is passed. 
A blow — a fight! — two men clinch fast. 



18 The Birth of Love, 

They twist and writhe in deadly clasp; 
Breathe hard, then break each other's grasp ; 
A knife — a shot — and on the floor 
Two bodies fall — the fight is o'er. 

Two coffins to their graves are borne ; 
Two broken-hearted women mourn; 
The dismal tolling of a bell — 
"Honor's appeased" — two souls ! 



THE BIRTH OF LOVE. 

'Tis said that ere our lovely earth was made, 
And ere the planets in the heavens played — 
Aye, ere the Universe itself appeared 
Out of the depths of Chaos, dark and wierd. 
Sweet Love was born. 

For Love was present when the powerful Word 
Brought all things forth ; and, though unseen — un- 
heard. 
His influence was felt within the soul 
Of each ; and, as the marks of Time unroll, 
It still remains. 

For Love is planted, as a seed, within 
The soul of every living thing, and in 
Some grows, luxuriant, like a lovely tree. 
But in the soul of man alone can he 
Bear sweetest fruit. 



The Saga of the Jokuls, 19 



THE SAGA OF THE JOKULS.* 

A Tale of the Discovery of Iceland, as Related in Song, About 
the End of the Tenth Century, by Halfried the Scald. 

THE RETURN OF NADDOD. 



When Naddod, the viking, returned from a voyage 
To Faroer, he brought back most wonderful tidings, 
Of how his strong vessel was driven by tempests 
Far out of her course, many miles to the northward. 
Until she was carried in sight of an island 
All covered with jokuls and frozen all over. 
The weather he found there so cold he departed. 
And sailed back to Norway, and there he related 
All that had befallen him — all his adventures; 
And many who heard him believed what he told them. 

FLOKI'S RESOLVE. 

Among the men who heard with great delight 
The stories told by Naddod, there was one 
Whose name was Floki, who had e'er been wont 
To go on viking raids, though young in years. 
Now, when he heard the tales that Naddod told. 
He longed to see this island of the North, 
Where e'en in summer snow was known to fall, 
And where the mountain tops were clothed with snow 
And ice throughout the year; so he at last 
Resolved to go, though he should risk his life. 

* Suow-Capped Mountains. 



20 The Saga of the Jokuls, 

FOLKI GETS READY TO SAIL. 

No power on earth could stay him, now he was determined, 
So with this firm resolve he went on board his vessel, 
Where he commanded that his men around him gather. 
There quickly told he them of what he had determined. 
They all possessed — like him — the spirit of adventure, 
(Aye, there were some to whom his words were very wel- 
come) 
So all agreed to go with him to see this island, 
No matter if the voyage should prove most disastrous. 
Then early in the morn — the weather being pleasant — 
When yet the whole world slept, they left the shores of Nor- 
way. 

FLOKI SAILS MORNING. 

The sea was blue as a fair maiden's eye — 
Far bluer, indeed, than the bright, cloudless sky; 
The breeze was as fresh as the breath from the lips 
Of love, which in youth one so eargerly sips ; 
The air was as cool and as soft as the kiss 
Which only a mother knows how to bestow; 
The ship bounded forward, as swift as the doe 
When chased by the hounds ; and the gay billows rolled 
And danced with delight. And thus all nature told 
That never was there a morn fairer than this. 

THE CALM — NOON. 

By noon there came a calm ; the sea 
Turned smooth as glass — still as the dead. 
The ship moved not, and not a breeze 



The Saga of the Jokuls. 



21 



Stirred the flat sails, which hung so limp, 

And longed for one caressing touch, 

Which came not. E'en the copper sun 

Seemed to stand still within a sky 

Of lead. One scarcely could draw breath. 

The air was hot and sultry, and 

It seemed that nature now was dead. 

THF.Y TAKE TO THE OARS. 



Floki, the viking. 
Liked not the weather, 
That seemed foreboding 
111 to his party, 
But with great courage. 
Like a true Norseman — 
Never despairing — 
Spake to his followers 
Words bright and cheering. 
Then he commanded 
That his brave vikings 
Man all the rowers'-seats 
And work the long oars. 
"Let us away, then ! 
Pull with a will, men! 



Off we go merrily! 
Naught can appall us! 
We are the fearless, 
Daring sea rovers !" 
Said the bold Floki. 
And the men bravely 
Bent to the long oars. 
As the broad oar blades 
Flashed in the sunlight 
Forward and backward ; 
Sent the spray flying; 
Raised sparkling ripples; 
Swiftly the dragon 
Sped through the water. 



THE STORM. 



Some hours after noon had passed, they spied a small black 

cloud 
Far to the West, which soon spread out, till, like a mighty 

shroud, 
It covered skv and sun until it hid them both from sight. 



22 The Saga of the Jokuls, 

And turned the glaring, sultry day into the darkest night. 
Then suddenly a flash — a crash — the sky seemed rent in 

twain ! 
While with a fearful howl and growl and rush, the wind 

and rain 
Beat down upon the ship. Again the blinding lightning 

flashed ! 
The thunder crashed ! The mighty waves dashed high 

and roared and clashed! 
The water poured from sky and sea ! The solid timbers 

creaked 
And trembled as with cold and fright ! The tempest howled 

and shrieked ! 

THE CONFUSION OF THE VIKINGS. 

As the storm blew hither — thither — 
Drove the ship — they knew not whither. 

All on board ran to and fro. 
Ran to starboard, then to larboard. 
Some ran aft and others forward — 

No one knowing where to go. 
As the dazzling, frightening lightning 
Flashed about them, briefly brightening 

Up the coal-black sea and sky, 
And the wonderful deep thunder 
Semed to roar above and under, 

Each believed that all must die. 
Then in fear some would not — could not 
Do aught else but what they should not — 

Getting in each other's way. 
Some were swearing or despairing; 
Some indifferent, as not caring 



The Saga of the Jokuls, 23 

If they lived throughout the day. 
Some were gaily laughing, chaffing, 
Or huge draughts of strong ale quaffing, 

Others crazy with alarm. 
Some were weeping, others creeping; 
Some with patient valor keeping 

Calm, as though they feared no harm. 

FLOKI'S PRAYERS AND DEFIANCE. 

Floki, the viking bold, 

As the waves pitched and rolled. 

And in the dragon's hold 

Poured o'er the bulwarks. 
Stood on the lypting,'^ where 
He, in the lightning's glare. 
Saw the confusion there 

Was on the vessel. 
Then with faith prayed to Thor, 
Odin, Frey and Vidar, 
And to Tyr, god of war, 

And other Asar:'^'^ 
"Odin, thou god o'er all ! 
Who reignest in V alhal l"^"^"^ 
Let not thy anger fall 

On us poor mortals ! 
Stretch forth thy pitying arm! 
Keep us from death or harm ! 
Quiet this great alarm! 

Save this brave vessel! 



* A raised enclosure on deck. ** The good g-ods. 

*** The heaven of the brave. 



24 The Saga of the Jokuls. 

Oh Thor, thou mighty one ! 
God o'er earth, moon and sun! 
Feared even in Jotun — **** 

Let us not perish ! 
Baldr, the Good and Pure, 
Unto us hope assure ! 
Let not these waves immure 

Us in their darkness !" 
Thus he devoutly prayed 
To the gods for their aid. 
Great were the vows he made 

Should he be rescued. 
But these did not appear 
His fervent prayers to hear, 
For not a god drew near 

His ship to save it. 
This seeming unconcern 
Made Floki's anger burn, 
And in words loud and stern 

He then defied them : 
"Then with your help away ! 
Back to your childish play ! 
Safely in Asgard stay, 

Through fear of Jotnar! 
What cares a viking bold 
For aid from gods so old ; 
Weakened by years untold, 

And such great cowards? 
Odin, thou puny thing! 
Called falsely lord and king 
O'er gods — earth — everything ! — 

Odin, I scorn thee! 

**** Jotun, or Jotunheim, home of the Jotnar, the foes of the Asar. 



The Saga of the Jokuls. 25 

Thou, too, called Thor, the strong,' 
Who boastest loud and long 
Of great deeds — told in song — 

Thou hast accomplished! 
How, with thy hammer worn. 
Though held with gauntlets torn, 
Can the earth be uptom, 

When thy arm wields it? 
E'en though thou couldst control 
This earth and make it roll. 
Still with a dauntless soul, 

Thor, I defy thee!" 
Thus did he dare their ire 
With his bold words of fire. 
E'en though destruction dire 

Might then befall him. 
Fearless and brave and free — 
Whate'er his fate might be — 
Like a true Norseman, he 

Brooked no indifference. 

THE STORM ABATES NIGHT. 

Soon after Floki ceased speaking, rain and wind 

Abated quickly, till only a light breeze 

Blew softly in the sails, which again were spread. 

The billows also waned — and the gentle waves 

Now played around the ship. Night had now come on. 

And moon and stars shone out — shedding their soft light 

Upon the heaving breast of the living sea, 

Which breathed more calmly now — touched by no fierce 

mood — 
And on her bosom broad gently bore the ship. 



26 The Saga of the Jokids. 

Thus Floki's daring words pleased the gods, it seemed, 
Far more than all his prayers. 

FLOKI SENDS FORTH THE RAVENS. 

Morning soon came on. 
Several hours after sunrise, Floki 
Woke from a refreshing, dreamless slumber. 
Rising quickly from his bed, he hastened 
On the deck, and there he cast his glances 
O'er the endless ocean all about him. 
Looked in vain for signs of land around him ; 
Looked in vain for trees or hills or mountains; 
Looked in vain for sea-birds in the heavens — 
All around was only gleaming water! 
Not a sign to tell how far from Norway 
Or what course his dragon had been driven! 
But the heart of Floki never failed him. 
Once again — forgetting the defiance 
He had hurled at them — he prayed to Odin, 
Thor, and all the gods who dwelt in Asgard, 
Vowing that he would be ever faithful 
In his trust in them, if he were only, 
With his dragon, safely brought to Snjoland.'^ 
Scarcely had this solemn vow been uttered, 
When a way to save his men and vessel 
Fell upon his soul as in a whisper 
From the lips of Odin (it was Odinsdag). 
''Bring the ravens from the foreroom !" ordered 
He, and quickly to him they were carried. 
From its prison then he soon released one — 
Black as night — and threw it high above him. 
For a moment in the air it hovered, 

* Iceland. 



The Saga of the Jokuls. 27 

Undecided, then it spread its pinions 

To their utmost, g-ave a croak of farewell, 

Turned, and swiftly flew away southeastward — 

As they knew by heavenly signs — where Norway, 

And not Snjoland, (which must lie northwestward), 

Lay. For six whole days they sailed northwestward. 

Then they freed another captive raven. 

Which (unlike the other) hovered — frightened — 

Many moments in the air above them, 

When, with one despairing croak it settled 

Back on deck, as if the vast expanse of water 

Was too great for even its tireless wings to traverse. 

Many days they sailed, when a third raven 

Was set free by Floki. But this raven 

Acted unlike either of the others, 

And, when it was loosened, flew northwestward. 

Gladly — fast as wind and oars could take them — 

Did they follow in its wake, till mountains. 

Capped with snow, arose, dark-blue, before them — 

Here they fancied lay the island, Snjoland, 

And, with all sails set, they rowed towards it. 



THEY LAND. 

Never for a moment doubting that it was island Naddod had 

discovered ; 
Ever hopeful that the gods would not desert them at this 

serious moment; 
Vowing, if it should prove so, to build each god a splendid 

temple ; 
Bowing low at every stroke that sent the dragon forward, 
Nearer to the land, which, rising now before them. 



28 The Saga of the Jokuls, 

Dearer seemed than gold or other riches; '' 

How the vikings worked the long-oars ! 
Now the land is near them ! 
And they now have 
Landed ! 

THE ISLAND. 

Joyfully the vikings landed and gave thanks to all their 

gods 
For the voyage made in safety, though opposed by such 

great odds. 
Then they looked about the island (such they found it was 

indeed) ; 
Noted the high hills and mountains, which with Naddod's 

tales agreed. 
But, though snow and ice now glistened on their summits, 

there were vales 
Smiling with the cheery verdure mostly found in warmer 

dales. 
How could Naddod find it dreary, or complain of ice and 

cold? 
Surely he must have been jesting, when those chilly tales 

he told ! 
Otherwise a good description had he given of the land. 
Which was just as he had pictured, save the weather now at 

hand. 
As they wandered o'er the island, suddenly a man appeared 
Just before them, as if springing from the earth. He had 

no beard. 
And his head was closely shaven on the crown — all save a 

thin 
Wreath of hair, which, like a fiery circle, hemmed the white 

crest in. 



The Saga of the Jokuls, 29 

And a gown, instead of breeches, clothed his somewhat 

portly form. 
Long and close, at this strange creature, gazed the vikings. 

His alarm 
At the sight of men in armor (who, to him, seemed quite 

as queer 
As he did to them) was serious, first, but very soon his 

fear 
Left him, for their words and actions showed them friendly 

toward him. 
Though they looked, in all their trappings, very murderous, 

fierce and grim. 

THE IRISH MONKS. 

Then in a tongue, such as they speak in northern Ireland, 
He spoke to them, and many understood his words. 
And soon they learned that he had come from Ireland, where 
He had become a priest of that new, strange religion 
That owns but one God, and whose high-priest dwells in 

Rome. 
With many others, mostly priests like him, he settled 
In this cold land, where soon they built a town and temple. 
This settlement had flourished many years, when Death 
Blew his foul breath upon them, and the noxious plague 
Slew all except himself and two companions — priests 
Like him. They three now dwelt near by (just o'er the 

hill). 
He led them on until they reached the village, where 
They met the other priests, who freely bade them welcome. 
And here they tarried several days, observing closely 
The worship of these Christians, till a quarrel arose 
About the two religions and the greater power , 



30 The Saga of the Jokuls. 

Each side claimed for their god — or gods; the priests de- 
claring 
That their one God was far more powerful than all 
The Asar of the Northmen, while the vikings claimed 
That any one god in their creed possessed more power 
Than He the Christians worshipped. Finally a truce 
Was called, in which it was decided that the gods 
Themselves should prove their strength by some such token 

that 
All doubt would soon be cleared away. Then Floki spoke, 
Addressing Thor, the Mighty One, in earnest prayer : 

FLOKl's APPEAL TO THOR. 

Oh Thor, called strongest of all gods! 

Who dwellest in Bilskirnir hall, 

The greatest house that e'er was built, 

Which in Thrudvanger lies ! O Thor ! 

I pray thee now girt on thy belt 

Of strength, which gives thee twice the power 

Thou hast before possessed ! put on 

Thy iron gloves, to give thee strength 

To wield thy hammer, Mjollnir, which, 

I pray thee, raise aloft until 

It reach the sun! Then smite with all 

Thy might upon this island ! split 

In twain the mountains to their roots, 

And let these unbelievers note 

How far superior is thy strength 

To that of their weak, puny God, 

Who dares not show himself when thou 



The Saga of the Jokuls. 31 



Appearest! Strike, O Thor, I beg! 
And I will consecrate this land 
To thee, in thankfulness, forever! 

THE RESULT. 

Scarce had he ceased Rocking the earth 

His fervent prayer, First up and down, 

When from the clouds Then to and fro ! 

A mighty blow Sinking deep chasms 

Fell like a flash Where there were plains! 

Upon the holm, Heaving up soil 

Splitting in twain With a dread crash ! 

Mountains and hills ! Such was the force 

Rending the vales ! Of the blow Thor 

Throwing huge rocks Struck on that land ! 
High in the air! 

HOW THEY WERE AFFECTED THEREBY. 

Throughout this fearful rending of the earth, the priests 
Of Christ remained unmoved, as if they were accustomed 
To daily scenes like these, till they had lost their dread 
Of them, while many of the vikings — even of 
The bravest — could not hide the fear that siezed them, 

though 
'Twas caused by one of their own gods, and at their own 
Desire. Then one — the leader — of the Christians called. 
Upon his knees, in earnest words, unto his God : 

THE priest's PRAYER. 

Oh Lord, Jehovah, Thou all-wise. 
All-powerful maker of the heaven, 
The earth, the sun, the moon, and all 



32 



The Saga of the Jokuls. 



The stars ! Thou, who didst love mankind 
So much that Thou didst freely give 
Thine only son to death, that all 
Might from the tortures of hell-fire 
Be saved ! O Lord, we pray that Thou, 
Who hast done this, and more, for man, 
Wouldst help us now, in this our need ! 
Oh give, we pray Thee, just one sign 
Of Thy omnipotence, so that 
These poor benighted heathens may 
Learn that Thou art the only God. 
Hear us, we pray Thee, Lord ! ! Amen, 

THE RESULT. 



Just as the last 
Word left his mouth, 
Fire and smoke, 
Water and mud, 
Came down from heaven 
And filled the chasms 
Rent in the vales. 
Mountains and hills ! 
From out the earth 
Sprang sparks of fire, 
Lava, hot stones. 
Ashes, mud, steani, 
Water that boiled 
With intense heat! 
And, above all. 
Rose the black smoke! 
How the earth crashed. 



Hissed, shook and roared ! 
Most direful sounds 
Smote on the ear! 
Foul, deadly steam 
Issued from springs. 
Where erst had been 
Only a plain ! 
Loud thunder pealed. 
Rending the skies ! 
Deafening the ear! 
Or, with deep booms. 
Rumbled and rolled ! 
Bright lightning flashed. 
Crackled and hissed 
Fearfully, as 
It struck the rocks. 
Shattering them in 



The Saga of the Jokuls. 33 

Fragments, which flew Water that boiled, 

Some ells away! Out of the earth! 

Then the storm died. And so they come 

Suddenly, as Unto this day; 

It had been born; And they will come 

But there still came Many years hence ! 

Fire and smoke. So wondrous are 

Lava, hot stones, God and his works! 
Ashes, mud, steam, 



THE DEATH OF THE MONKS. 

So awful were the scenes they witnessed, many 

Shrank back affrighted; others cowered, trembling 

With dread, upon the ground; still others fainted. 

And lay like dead for many moments after 

The storm had died away ; e'en Floki faltered 

In speech and motion, several minutes ere he 

Could get enough control o'er tongue and body 

To speak distinctly or to raise his trembling, 

Limp form erect. The Christians, like the Norsmen, 

Were greatly frightened. Ere all could recover 

Some hours had passed. Then each looked at the others 

To notice how they were affected. Floki 

Was very thoughtful for a time, deciding 

Within his mind the author of the wonders 

Performed before their eyes. He then concluded 

That Thor had done all this to give still stronger 

Proof that the old faith of the North was real. 



34 The Saga of the Jokuls. 

And, fearing that his men might be deluded 

Into the new behef by this occurrence, 

He cried to them in passionate entreaty : 

*'See what strong Thor has in an hour accomplished ! 

Therefore give thanks for this proof of his power! 

Let us, therefore, build him a splendid temple, 

And offer to the gods our sacrifices, 

That we have gained the victory o'er these Christians !" 

"Nay," cried the priest, ''ours is the glorious victory ! 

See how the jokuls belch forth fire and lava! 

They will, henceforth, burn inwardly forever! 

Deo sit laus! for this, His heavenly token 

Of His great love and strength! What more impressive 

Sign could he give than this? Brethren, Orate!" 

At this the priests sank on their knees, which Floki 

Saw with a dislike ever growing stronger, 

Until at last he called in fiery passion 

Unto his men : ''Here, bind these priests and take them 

To yonder pool, 'which their own God created!' 

Then, if He have such power. He'll surely save them 

From death by drowning. Hasten, then, and cast them 

Into its sombre depths !" And soon they carried 

The powerless friars quite to the water's margin 

And laid them down ; these earnestly imploring , 

In vain for mercy. "Then," exclaimed their leader, 

"As you do unto us, so may Jehovah 

Do unto you ! This land, which you have offered 

To Thor and all your gods, shall yet be Qiristian, 



The Saga of the Jokuls, 35 

And your descendants will disown the Asar; 

Distress and misery shall ever follow 

You and your men, and, as a curse, this island 

Shall ever be thus blighted!" With fierce curses 

The vikings hurled the priests into the water, 

In which they struggled feebly ; then with praises 

And prayers to the great God whom they so worshipped, 

Sank out of sight. 

As the priest said, it happened. 
Great storms of snow and wind sprank up, harassing 
The vikings. Sickness, too, appeared, and many 
Died on that island, now so cold and dreary. 
With only half his men ; his dragon injured ; 
Young Floki, after many months, reached Norway. 
And ever after that the worst misfortunes 
Befell his every raid. 

And at Thingvallaj 
Into the pool wherein he drowned the Christians, 
The Allthing yearly hurls its shrieking victims. 
And now the island — as the priest predicted — 
Is being to the Christian faith converted. 



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